Evans warns United against complacency as City's Clichy backs them to crumble

Jonny Evans has warned Manchester United not to be lulled into a false sense of security by their 12-point lead in the title race.

After seeing United knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid and then allowing Chelsea to recover from two goals down to earn a replay in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, Evans is determined not to give City ‘any sniff’ of retaining their Premier League crown.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side lost the title on goal difference on the final kick of last season after being eight points ahead with six games to go, and the Northern Ireland defender hopes the memory of that collapse will ensure there is no complacency at Old Trafford.

Eyes on the prize: But Jonny Evans has warned his team-mates against the risks of complacency

‘We all saw what happened last year,’ said Evans. ‘It’s up to us to make sure it doesn’t happen again. We keep saying it but hopefully we’ve learned from that experience.

‘We’re in a great position in the league but we don’t want to give City any sniff of getting back in.

‘We didn’t imagine being 12 points clear at this stage. It sounds like a lot but it’s only a difference of four games.

Slip up: Many believe Manchester United's 4-4 draw with Everton cost them last season's title

‘The position we are in, we can’t wait to get each game over with. It’s important to take all three points with the international break coming up – it would be a massive boost to us.’

United’s lead could be down to nine points by the time they face Reading at home on Saturday with City playing Everton at Goodison Park in the day’s early kick-off.

City defender Gael Clichy believes their rivals could crack under the pressure again with the two clubs still due to meet in the Manchester derby next month and United having to face Sunderland just 48 hours before their cup replay with Chelsea.

Clichy said: ‘If you look at the scenario, it’s actually not that much different from last season – eight points behind with six games to go last year, 12 behind with 10 to play this time around.

Battle cry: Gael Clichy, however, believes his team-mates can force United to crumble if they apply enough pressure

‘If United don’t make mistakes they will win the title, but everyone is saying United have to lose four games. That’s not true. If they draw a few matches we can make up points in that way.

‘One bad result can become two and then the doubts creep in. You ask yourself, “is it going to be the same as last season?”

‘What we want to do is keep taking three points every week and really keep the pressure on United.

‘The next three or four games are crucial for us and if we do well during this period, we will see.’